If you’re lucky enough to be traveling overseas anytime soon, take some steps now, before you leave, to help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Start Off on the Right Foot
See your doctor to discuss any vaccines, medicines, or precautions you should take before your leave. If possible, schedule your visit 4 – 6 weeks before you travel, so that any vaccines you received have time to take effect and there’s enough time to get a second dose, if necessary. Remember to check with your health plan to find out which vaccinations and services are covered.
The GeoBlue Travel Medicine and International Health Insurance website, as well as local travel clinics, are great resources for information about possible risks and preventing health problems associated with your destination.
Pack Smart
What you take on vacation will vary widely by destination, length, and season, but there are a few useful things to have with you no matter where you go. Check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pack Smart list of suggested items.
If you’ll be taking prescription medication with you, also check out the Transportation Security Administration website for updates on permitted and prohibited items that you are allowed to carry on a plane.
Leave Your Worries Behind
Travel insurance is one of those things — like the extra coverage on a rental car — that many of us waffle over. But when talking about international travel, the answer is a definite yes.
Whether it’s a one-time trip, a semester abroad, or a long-term commitment, GeoBlue health plans provide medical coverage when you travel outside of the U.S., including:
- Emergency medical evacuation — coverage for unexpected emergency situations.
- Comprehensive coverage — hospitalization, doctor visits, and prescriptions.
- Cashless, paperless service — direct billing for both inpatient and outpatient care.
- A profiled, elite network — best-in-class English-speaking doctors in over 180 countries.
- 24/7 concierge support — VIP assistance scheduling appointments and managing medical care.
- Online tools — accessible through the GeoBlue App.
GeoBlue health plans are offered in cooperation with many Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® companies, including Independence Blue Cross. And you don’t have to be currently enrolled in an Independence Blue Cross medical plan to purchase a GeoBlue plan.
Sources:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Traveler’s Health website
Transportation Security Administration website
GeoBlue is a trade name of Worldwide Insurance Services, LLC, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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